Northrop Grumman Plans Robotic Spacecraft Launch This Summer
Northrop Grumman will launch its Mission Robotic Vehicle later this summer aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9. The spacecraft is designed to perform on-orbit servicing of satellites in geosynchronous orbit.
nasa.govNorthrop Grumman plans to launch its Mission Robotic Vehicle later this summer, according to senior company officials. U.S. Naval Research Laboratory. Robert Hague, president of Northrop Grumman’s SpaceLogistics subsidiary, said the company purchased the entire Falcon 9 rocket for the mission. U.S. robotic servicer in orbit.
The Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous
Satellites program began in 2017. Northrop Grumman took over the contract in 2020 after the original contractor withdrew. The company is funding the launch itself. Hague said integration of the satellite bus and robotic payload presented technical challenges.
He added that software development for safe operations also contributed to schedule adjustments. The launch was originally scheduled for 2024. DARPA funding for the program ended in 2025.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- 2017
DARPA initiated the Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites program.
1 sourceBreaking Defense - 2019
Original contractor Maxar Technologies withdrew from the program.
1 sourceBreaking Defense - 2020
Northrop Grumman assumed the contract.
1 sourceBreaking Defense - Summer 2026
Northrop Grumman plans to launch the Mission Robotic Vehicle on a SpaceX Falcon 9.
1 sourceBreaking Defense
Potential Impact
- 01
The spacecraft will provide the first U.S. on-orbit satellite servicing capability once operational.
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